By Michael Kinney
Westmoore ended the 2009 slowpitch season one step away from playing for a state championship. However, that isn't good enough for a program that has grown accustomed to playing for the biggest prize.
Jaguars coach Steve Schwartz heads into this season looking to not only get his squad back into title contention, but to win it all.
"I think this team has a lot of potential," Schwartz said. "We are will be pretty young, but the talent is there. They just need to mature a bit."
The Jaguars didn't kick-off the season until Tuesday when they played in a double-header against Norman and Putnam City. His startling lineup will have a variety of experience levels.
"We will start two freshmen and four sophomores," Schwartz said. "We should be a good hitting team, and very solid defensively. This is also a pretty good group of kids, and they have been working hard despite all of the weather issues."
Even though Westmoore is filled with first and second year players, the coaching staff expects that it will be the seniors who carry the team.
"Our seniors are Che Douglas, Chante Terrel and Hannah Sorrels," Schwartz said. "Che, our first basemen, is one of the top power hitters in the state if not the top. Chante our catcher, is a good singles hitter and a great team leader. These seniors will both start."
Yet, Schwartz said he h as a full compliment of players from top to bottom of the roster.
"We have a great middle infield with Kendra Pierce at short and Mariah Peace at second," Schwartz said. "We have five great out fielders that can hit. This will be a little improvement from last year. They are Rachel Rischard, Patty Padgett, Alysa Phillips, Fayth Gammon, and Megan Barnett. Our pitcher, Melanie Anderson is as talented as Kayla our All State pitcher last year, if not better. And sophomore Aliceia Gutierrez will be at third base."
The Jaguars host Blanchard at 4:30 p.m. Friday. They will not play again until March 23.
